STAFF at Port Macquarie Base Hospital had jewellery ripped from their necks, were pushed to the ground and had chairs thrown at them, a union says.

Figures obtained by a Sydney newspaper showed there were 21 verbal and physical assaults at the emergency department between January 2005 and June 30 last year.

Some 140 assaults took place in north coast emergency departments.

Medical staff had jewellery ripped from them, security guards were pushed and chairs were thrown at wardsmen.

Long waits for treatment are fuelling some of the assaults, the union says.

A NSW Nurses' Association spokeswoman said verbal abuse, while it may not happen every shift, was frequent and serious assaults were infrequent.

The spokeswoman said assaults and verbal abuse were linked with emergency departments becoming busier.

Port Macquarie Base Hospital emergency department was built to handle 12,000 to 14,000 patients a year.

But it is predicted annual patients numbers reach more than 32,000.

The union spokeswoman said violence and threats were not condoned. But they were part of working in a busy emergency department.

"We understand a lot of times it's because of stress ... they are fearful, they may be in pain or not understanding how the emergency department works," she said.

"The more serious abuse comes from patients with drug and alcohol issues, metal-health issues and sometimes other behavioural issues."

It is understood no emergency department staff member has been seriously injured in an assault.

NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research information shows incidents of violence in hospitals had remained steady.

A North Coast Area Health Service spokesman said all alleged incidents were taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and appropriate further action taken where necessary.

The service has a zero tolerance to violence policy.

Staff were encouraged to be vigilant and focus on minimising violence wherever possible.

They also are encouraged to report verbal or physical threats, assaults, and affected staff members are offered counselling.

NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher said any form of violent behaviour in hospitals was totally unacceptable.

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"... Anyone assaulting staff or patients, or behaving in a violent manner in our hospitals will face the consequences," she said.